Dance Classes for Kids

Written by The Healthline Editorial Team on April 12, 2013

These days, it isn't uncommon for children's calendars to be fuller than their parents'. With the wide array of sports, clubs, academic enrichment, and arts programs available for kids, it's often difficult to decide which ones to pursue. While most children's interests will lead them to the activities that best fit their personalities and skill sets, some may need a little encouraging. Offered for children at all fitness levels and ages, here's a look at a few of the major benefits of dance classes for kids.

Improves Physical Health Dance is an aerobic form of exercise that requires the use of the entire body. It promotes good cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and coordination. In addition, dance can help young children to correct postural problems such as mild scoliosis. While dance forms such as ballet have a reputation for encouraging a restrictive diet and rigorous training regimen, a reputable dance studio with qualified teachers will promote good health, rather than deprivation and over-training.

Enhances Social Awareness Dance classes encourage group participation and interaction. Children will learn to cooperate with one another and to communicate through body language and move together. Shy children often thrive in dance classes, as they provide a safe environment in which introverted children can gradually learn to trust and interact with their peers.

Encourages Emotional Maturity Children can learn patience while waiting for their turn to perform as well as how to express intense emotions such as anger and sadness through motion, rather than a tantrum or verbal outburst. Dance can also foster better self-esteem, as children become more comfortable in and familiar with their bodies through creative movement.

Accelerates Cognitive Development Learning and repetitively performing dance steps in sequence helps to enhance children's memorization abilities. In addition, one of the first things taught in any dance class is that a young dancer must pay attention to their teacher. This focus is often readily transferred to the classroom, resulting in better performance in school.

Dance promotes both physical health and creative expression while increasing mental acuity. When children are introduced to dance at a young age, the development of their physical, cognitive, and social skills often accelerate and their overall self-esteem enhances. While enrolling your child in dance classes is a great way to enhance their well-being, remember that dance isn't only for the young. Consider signing up for a parent-child or grandparent-child dance class and show your little one that you're never too old to boogie. You'll get a great workout while spending some quality time with your child. Now get up and dance!